Why nature rewards us for changing

Twin Galaxies Gemini Observatory

Why do we tremble when facing change? Why do we feel weak in the knees when a partner leaves us, the children fly the coop, downsizing thrusts us out of the workforce or a move forces you into a new school system, peer group or neighborhood?

The truth is that trembling and fearful state is just temporary. The initial rush of adrenalin, if not resisted and prolonged by further fear inducing thoughts will most likely run through the blood stream in 20 minutes. Actually, when we experience and engage in new activities, encounter new situations and learn new things our brains are actually wired to reward our efforts by flooding our bodies with endorphin-like neurochemicals (pleasure chemicals).

“Research has also shown that the release of endorphins, in turn, stimulates more dopamine production. These two neurochemicals then work in tandem, each supporting the other's activity to ensure that meaningful behaviors will elicit a powerful and steady stream of pleasurable feelings.”

So, let's see why Nature rewards us for embracing change and learning new things.

Why we are rewarded by nature for being able to change

All of life, at first, is a process of creating something stable like a molecule or a complex stable system like a human body and even on a psychological or spiritual level a stable sense of self. But these stable systems come into contact with other stable systems and are changed by their contact. Nature pushes for these changes in order to create more and more complex systems that can deal more efficiently with the constantly changing world.

The most varied and complex systems logically will be able to face more and more complex situations. But in physics, if we simplify the laws of thermodynamics and entropy, we will see that when a system is in the process of becoming a more complex system, there is a delicate point where this new more complex and intelligent system is fragile (because it is newborn per se) and there is a delicate balance where entropy (a process that breaks down and destroys) may take over and the new more versatile and complex system may break down.

It could be that subconsciously we are aware of the temporary fragile state’s risks when we are becoming a new more intricate system. We are vulnerable for a moment in time. And deep down we may fear the destructive effects of entropy. That is why Nature gifts us with those endorphins so we don’t succumb to entropy. It tricks us into surviving and being more useful and intelligent systems.
And why should we temper the fear of change? If we don’t change, we remain simple systems that can’t deal with this ever- changing universe, and eventually will become obsolete.

So, when that job change comes along or your children leave home or you break up with someone and are alone, know deep down inside that the adjustments you are making are creating a more super “You.” Those changes are forcing you to become a more extraordinary and more versatile and intelligent being.

So, how do we make sure “entropy” doesn’t get the best of us? The way to ward off the negative effects of entropy is a delicate procedure. You have to regulate the stress on your system and allow yourself no more stress than the change itself causes. But since it is a delicate balance, you have to be careful you aren’t too cushioned either because a little stress is part of the stimulus for the new form to be born. If fear or control wins over, you may not change enough to deal with future more complex systems. If you cushion yourself too much there will be no change at all.

Keep in mind the biggest fear is that you won't be able to deal with the changes or be able to control the outcome. And this might be true during the temporary fragile state. It doesn't mean you don't have the power to participate in the changes and have preferences or be able to guide the outcome. The fragile state just means you have to cut down on extra stressors (entropy) and focus on essentials.

It is up to you to seek this balance. Respect the fragile moment. Protect the new born self and look forward to a more fulfilling experience with a more intricate, intelligent and adept self.